John Burke, general manager, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
As sustainability becomes a critical focus for the global MICE industry, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has emerged as a trailblazer. Recently awarded Best Sustainability Initiative (Convention Centre) at M&C Asia Stella Awards 2024, the convention centre’s efforts demonstrate how venues can integrate environmental and social responsibility into their operations.
We spoke with John Burke, general manager of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, to uncover the centre’s innovative practices, ongoing initiatives, and vision for a sustainable future.
What sustainability initiatives have been implemented at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre?
The Centre has transitioned towards powering the venue with sustainable energy, as outlined in our commitment to long-term energy conservation. As part of the broader Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) precinct’s transformation, we have played a key role in making the precinct a sustainable hub by driving community-centric sustainability campaigns that benefit both business and leisure visitors.
The Centre is certified as a Healthy Venue, promoting well-being by encouraging healthy food options, physical activity, and mental health awareness, contributing to a healthier, sustainable experience for attendees and staff alike. We are also a leader in promoting sustainable food sourcing, supporting ethical and environmentally responsible food production. Lastly, we work with academic institutions to accelerate sustainability innovation, focusing on research and development in sustainable practices for events.
Related | M&C Asia Stella Awards 2024 winners unveiled
Are there any plans to expand Centre’s sustainability initiatives in the future?
Yes! We are committed to expanding our sustainability initiatives in line with our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, Malaysia’s Sustainable Development Goals, and Kuala Lumpur’s vision to become a low-carbon, sustainable city. Building on its successful Sustainable September campaign, KLCC will continue to engage the community with annual campaigns that promote sustainability awareness, education and action within the KLCC precinct.
As a leader in sustainable event management, the Centre is positioning Malaysia as a hub for eco-friendly conferences and exhibitions. In partnership with URBANICE Malaysia – a government agency that focuses on sustainable urban development – and through our broader sustainability initiatives, we will play a pivotal role in driving Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia’s transition towards a greener, more resilient future.
This article first appeared in the October-December 2024 issue of M&C Asia as part of the “Trailblazing stars: In celebration of Asia’s top MICE winners” feature. Click here to read more from this issue.